VISION:
The severe weather lashing Queensland is impacting the rail network, forcing rail closures across the western downs and on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Rail Acting CEO Scott Riedel said crews were ready to inspect, repair and restore the vital transport corridors when waters recede and conditions safely allow.
“Heavy rainfall overnight has caused significant flooding across our western rail lines, which are closed west of Rosewood,” Mr Riedel said.
“Westlander passenger services are currently paused due to COVID-19 impacts, however freight services are now also temporarily interrupted due to the flooding.
“Our inspections will begin when the water recedes and conditions are safe, to be able to restore the western rail systems as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile on the South East Queensland network, continued heavy rain is hampering recovery efforts on the Sunshine Coast line, where conditions have deteriorated, including at the freight train derailment site near Traveston.
“The Sunshine Coast line remains closed between Nambour and Gympie North and buses are replacing trains for Gympie North services, but with local roads also flood-affected, access to some stations has been limited at times,” Mr Riedel said.
“We have crews ready to recover the derailment site at Traveston when weather conditions allow and required materials such as ballast and sleepers are also ready on site, but safe access is a must.
“We’ll continue to keep our commuters, freight and long-distance travel customers informed as the situation progresses, and we’d like to thank them for their understanding.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the broader community affected by the floodwaters, and we hope everyone remains safe.”
